Fiesta driver seeks value performance

SithUK

SithUK

SithUK

Associate
Joined
19 Mar 2004
Posts
188
Currently drive a 4 yr old diesel Fiesta. Thinking about a couple of year old A3 2.0 TDI or 1 series 120d.

Looking for something quicker and more comfortable on longer drives. I like small(ish) cars for ease of driving around town and parking. I appreciate there is a trade off to make here in that a bigger car is typically a more comfortable cruiser. I have no "keep up with the Jones" bias to owning new.

I have a short commute to work and like to take a long trip at the weekend. I currently drive a previous model diesel Fiesta. I would like a more comfortable car to be in: options I am looking for include cruise control and climate control. I am also after sub 8 second 0-60mph performance. 3 doors please. I do 6k annual mileage. I have 7 years no claims.

I share the frustration with those on my earlier 1 series thread that fuel and possibly insurance costs are typically given unequal weighting to depreciation, maintenance and financing costs when making a purchase decision. I reckon that an older car which loses less money each year is likely to offer better ownership value than a brand new car. I don't mind driving a 6 year old car.

I've summarised my current ownership costs below:

Existing annual ownership costs are approximately:
Insurance: £400
Fuel: £640
Maintence: £300
Tax: £35
Depreciation: £500
Loss of return on capital: £225 [if I put the capital value of the car in a 5% real return investment (£4500 * 5% = £225)]

Total ownership cost: Approx £2100/year (£175/month)

I'd be willing to stretch up to £5k/year on ownership costs. Maybe more for the right car.

Having read quite a few previous posts I appreciate how little I know compared to most here (Hi Fox).

Any advice appreciated.

Thank you for reading the long post.

[edit: annual mileage and no claims added. Explanation of loss of capital return added.]
 
Last edited:
I'm sorry but you are being too sensible and thinking far too much about this insignificant decision. Please visit your local Vauxhall dealer and PCP a brand new Corsa diesel.

Thank you for your time.

EDIT: In all seriousness, you need to list your annual mileage so people can better estimate your projected fuel, smr and depreciation costs :)

EDIT2: Additionally, your age and whether you have any notable insurance issues would be useful.
 
Last edited:
That has to be the best, most well considered and least idiotic spec me post I have read on here.

I will therefore do you the courtesy of a properly boring yet in depth reply this evening :)

In the meantime, sit back and chuckle at the inevitable recommendations for all sorts of bonkers performance cars.
 
Last edited:
Any reason why it has to be a diesel for the mileage you do? Or is it you have a strong affintiy for the lucious sound of the tugboat?
 
Diesel for 4k a year, clearly as well intentioned and sensible as the OP is with his fantastic opening post, something is a amiss.
Click to expand...

I am not wed to diesel fuelled cars in any way. Please feel free to suggest petrol fuelled options.

Thank you for your interest. I'm looking forward to reading all the replies.
 
Last edited:
Unless you actually like the way diesels drive then either a 120i of A3 2l FSI would probably be a better choice. If you still want low down torque the the 2l turbo A3 would give it and more performance without the diesel clatter.
 
I'd avoid the non turbo petrol audi's unless its the V6 as they will feel just as slow as your fiesta. The 3 doors is a big restriction, a lot of good cars I can think of for £12k, very few of them have 3 doors.
 
Golf GTI is probably the best thing I can think of too

Insurance: £1000
Fuel: £800
Maintence: £800
Tax: £235
Depreciation: £1000
Loss of return on capital: £225.42

£4060.42
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom